Milton Keynes – Volkswagen has enjoyed a resounding triumph at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2026 awards, with the Passat claiming the coveted overall title alongside victories in two key categories, while the Multivan secured the Large Family Towcar crown for the fourth consecutive year.
The Passat, Volkswagen’s stalwart estate, was singled out by judges for its exceptional all-round capabilities. In addition to being named overall winner, it also topped the Family Towcar category and the category for caravan weights between 1,300 kg and 1,500 kg. Praising the ninth-generation model as “the best of the lot,” the Caravan and Motorhome Club judges highlighted the Passat’s combination of refinement, efficiency, and practicality as decisive factors in their unanimous decision.
Since its debut in 1973, over 34 million Passats have found homes worldwide, making it Volkswagen’s second best-selling model behind the iconic Golf. Its enduring appeal is underpinned by a balance of style, space, and driving comfort, and the latest generation reinforces this reputation with enhanced aerodynamics and advanced technology.
The Multivan, representing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, once again dominated the Large Family Towcar category, continuing a four-year winning streak. Judges praised its adaptable interior, which offers multiple seating arrangements and two body lengths, noting the Multivan’s spaciousness, usability, and refinement. “The smooth 2.0-litre petrol engine and comfortable ride make it ideal for family towing,” they commented, cementing the Multivan’s position as the benchmark for versatile family transport.
Other Volkswagen models also featured prominently in the awards, underlining the brand’s broad appeal across the towing market. The ID.5 and ID.7 Tourer, Tayron, Tiguan, and ID. Buzz were all shortlisted in their respective categories, narrowly missing out on wins but demonstrating Volkswagen’s consistent ability to offer capable, efficient, and practical towing solutions.
The rigorous evaluation process, now in its 43rd year, took place at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, where an eight-strong panel of expert judges assessed each vehicle across a variety of driving scenarios designed to replicate real-world towing conditions.
The Volkswagen Passat: Aerodynamic Efficiency Meets Practicality
Launched in the UK in January 2024, the ninth-generation Passat Estate is Volkswagen’s most aerodynamic estate to date, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.25 – lower than that of many sports cars. The result is a vehicle that offers impressive efficiency without compromising on practicality. With a long wheelbase accommodating five passengers comfortably and up to 1,920 litres of rear storage, the Passat is a versatile choice for both business and leisure pursuits.
Available in five trims – Life, Match, Elegance, R-Line, and Black Edition – the Passat offers a range of mild hybrid petrol engines producing 150 PS and 204 PS, alongside plug-in eHybrid options delivering 204 PS or 272 PS. The eHybrid variants combine a turbocharged petrol engine with a 19.7 kWh battery, enabling up to 83 miles of electric-only driving (WLTP combined).
The Volkswagen Multivan: Flexibility for Every Journey
With seating for up to seven, a configurable interior, and a range of powertrain options, the Multivan delivers unrivalled versatility for family or business use. In the UK, two trims are available – Life and Style – with standard and long-overhang versions offered alongside 2.0 TDI 150 PS, 2.0 TSI 204 PS, and 1.5 eHybrid 245 PS options. The eHybrid variant allows for up to 57 miles of electric-only driving (WLTP combined), combining efficiency with performance and practicality.
The 2026 Towcar of the Year awards reaffirm Volkswagen’s leadership in the towing segment, demonstrating a winning formula that blends reliability, innovation, and user-centric design. With the Passat and Multivan leading the charge, Volkswagen continues to set the standard for drivers seeking capable, versatile, and enjoyable vehicles for every journey.
